Illustration by Andrew Goldstein
If your insurance will cover other joints in the body, why not the jaw joints?"
Read about a TMJ patient's struggle with TMJ, the health care system, and advocacy for a change in the law on TMJ health insurance. This article illustrates her determination to do something about it personally and to share such information to help the public.
- BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MASSACHUSETTS INITIATES THE FIRST -IN-THE-COUNTRY BROAD COVERAGE FOR "TMJ" UNDER MEDICAL HEALTH POLICIES FOR BOTH MANAGED CARE AND INDEMNITY CONTRACTS
Director says, "These clinical guidelines represent a ‘work in progress’ and are subject to future revision, at such time that more definitive scientific data becomes available for review."
JJAMD comment: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts [BCBSMA] has introduced broad coverage for TMJ. While the benefits are limited, it represents the first broad based coverage outside of surgery in medical health insurance under managed care and indemnity policies. It is, therefore, a start in the heretofore absence of coverage for the TMJ [non-surgical] population. This major breakthrough in health insurance for TMJ patients represents a victory in a long-fought battle by JJAMD. Dr. Allyn Segelman, a maxillofacial surgeon, played a major leadership role in accomplishing this coverage. As Dental Director of BCBSMA he will continue to oversee this policy and continue to refine and fine-tune the policy. He wrote this explanation, which should be read carefully before clicking on the links to the actual policy TMJ Diagnosis, and Treatment [Policy #35] at www.bcbsma.com/hresource/035.htm or the TMJ Disorders Guideline [#608] www.bcbsma.com/hresource/608.htm